Spring is coming and it won't be long until lawn mowers are roaring and yard work will begin.  One issue that often comes up is the damage to trees and plants caused by string trimmers (a.k.a weed whackers, weed whippers, weed eaters, etc.).  You may want to keep a few things in mind when it comes time to putting the finishing touches on your yard work, or clearing away a lot of weeds.

Of course, string trimmers are designed to trim plants or get rid of unwanted ones.  Just like they can destroy weeds, they can also destroy desirable plants.  You could rely on your aim, or you could try using a little mulch to create a boarder away from your tender plants.  Mulch can also help prevent weeds around the plants that you want to display.

It can be easy to for get that these trimmers can also do damage to trees.  Since trees have bark to protect them, sometimes people under estimate the damage that can be caused to the tree by these tools.  These tools can aren't just harmful to newly planted trees, established trees can also be harmed.  Damage to the bark on a young tree, especially at the base, can be fatal.  For more established trees (or in cases of minor bark damage to younger trees) this damage to the bark can create an opening that allows disease, insects, or fungi access to the more vulnerable parts of the tree.  This can weaken the base of the tree and ultimately be fatal to the tree.  For trees, you can also much around the base so there will be no need to get that close with the trimmer.  Just make sure to leave a couple inch space between the much and the base of the trunk.  If mulching isn't an option, you could always purchase bark protectors or tree wrap for extra protection.